Walk behind cleaning apparatus

ABSTRACT

A walk behind battery operated cleaning apparatus for scrubbing, cleaning and vacuuming surfaces such as floors and carpets, which is self propelled, includes a power base, which is driven from the rear in forward or reverse direction by rear wheels, and includes swivel wheels which are adjustable for height, which may have a detachable floating electric motor driven rear floor machine type cleaning assembly carried by and offset from the center of the power base, a detachable floating electric motor driven front floor machine type cleaning assembly carried by and offset from the center of the power base, and which has a reservoir tank for storing cleaning solution to be dispensed ahead of the cleaning assemblies.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation-in-Part of my prior application Ser.No. 11/029,935, Filed Jun. 6, 2005, Entitled: Walk Behind CleaningApparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a walk behind cleaning apparatus of thebattery operated floor type machine, used for floor and carpet cleaningsuch as bonnet cleaning, which is self propelled and includes dualdetachable floor machine type assemblies.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Walk behind cleaning apparatus that clean and scrub carpets are known inthe art.

Such apparatus are typically of the single cleaning assembly type. Whilethese apparatus are suitable for their intended purpose, due to therotational aspects of the single cleaning assembly, the apparatus isconstantly pulling to one side, necessitating the operator having toconstantly fight the apparatus to force it to travel in a directionopposite to the rotational force. The single assembly type of apparatusis difficult to use next to or against a wall or under a row of benches,because the cleaning assembly is straight ahead of the operator, and theapparatus does not permit the assembly to be close to a wall whentraveling in a straight line.

There is therefore a need for an apparatus that can be easilymanipulated by the operator in desired directions, can clean close to awall, and perform multiple operations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a walk behind battery operated cleaningapparatus, which is self propelled, and has detachable dual floormachine type assemblies.

The principal object of the invention is to provide a battery operatedself propelled floor machine type cleaning apparatus.

A further object of the invention is to provide a cleaning apparatuswherein the apparatus has opposed detachable dual bonnet-type cleaningassemblies.

A further object of the invention is to provide a cleaning apparatusthat can have one or two floor machine type assemblies.

A further object of the invention is to provide a cleaning apparatusthat can have a vacuum attachment assembly.

A further object of the invention is to provide a cleaning apparatuswherein the floor machine type assemblies can float.

A further object of the invention is to provide a cleaning apparatus,which permits cleaning right up to and along a wall, or under a row ofbenches.

A further object of the invention is to provide a cleaning apparatusthat greatly increases production.

A further object of the invention is to provide a cleaning apparatuswhich is safer to use, and operate than conventional apparatus, as itdoes not have any attached electrical cords.

A further object of the invention is to provide a cleaning apparatuswhich is easy to use.

A further object of the invention is to provide a cleaning apparatuswhich can be used to clean floors or carpet.

A further object of the invention of the invention is to provide acleaning apparatus that provides improved cleaning action.

A further object of the invention is to provide a cleaning apparatuswhich includes a power base which can have a variety of attachedassemblies.

A further object of the invention is to provide a cleaning apparatusthat is durable, and has a long service life.

Other objects and advantageous features of the invention will beapparent from the description and claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The nature and characteristic features of the invention will be morereadily understood from the following description taken in connectionwith the accompanying drawings forming part hereof in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the cleaning apparatus of theinvention with the floor machine type cleaning assemblies in operatingposition;

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 with the cleaning assemblies in thestorage position, allowing for bonnet change, or movement when notcleaning.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary plan view of a portion of the steering mechanismof the apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4, illustrating an alternate steeringmechanism, which increases steering leverage, and reduces the turningradius in smaller areas.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the apparatus of the invention.

FIG. 7A is a front view in partial phantom showing the independentfloating action of a bonnet cleaning assembly of the invention.

FIG. 7B is a view similar to FIG. 7A, showing a bonnet cleaning assemblyaccommodating an irregularity in the surface being cleaned.

FIG. 7C is a view similar to FIG. 7B, showing a bonnet cleaning assemblyaccommodating another irregularity in the surface being cleaned.

FIG. 8A is a top plan view in partial phantom, showing the apparatustraveling along a wall, and around a corner.

FIG. 8B is a view similar to FIG. 8A showing the apparatus as it turns acorner along a wall.

FIG. 8C is a view similar to FIG. 8A with the apparatus along a wallafter turning a corner.

FIG. 9 is a left side elevational view of the power base of theinvention without any bonnet cleaning assemblies, or other attachments.

FIG. 10 is a front view showing the apparatus with an optional vacuumattachment; and

FIG. 11 is a front plan view showing the apparatus with optional highspeed cleaning assemblies.

It should, of course, be understood that the description and drawingsherein are merely illustrative, and that various modifications andchanges can be made in the structures disclosed without departing fromthe spirit of the invention.

Like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

When referring to the preferred embodiments, certain terminology will beutilized for the sake of clarity. Use of such terminology is intended toencompass not only the described embodiment, but also technicalequivalents, which operate and function in substantially the same way tobring about the same result.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings and FIGS. 1-9 thereof, acleaning apparatus 10 is therein illustrated.

The cleaning apparatus 10 includes a power base 11, which has a frame12, with a pair of swivel wheels 13 attached thereto at the rear of theapparatus, with a pair of driven rear wheels 14 attached to frame 12 bya transversely extending transaxle (not shown), in brackets (not shown),which is attached to frame 12, in well known manner.

The transaxle (not shown) includes a reversible driving motor (notshown), of any desired type, with the preferred transaxle available fromMCG, Prior Lake, Minn. 55372.

A control box 12A is provided connected to frame 12, and by a cable (notshown) to a transaxle motor (not shown), and to a source of electricalenergy (not shown), such as deep discharge lead acid electric storagebatteries of well known type. The control box 12A controls the speed andthe direction of the wheels 14 through the transaxle (not shown), andits motor (not shown). Any suitable control box can be used, with thepreferred box available from MCG, Prior Lake, Minn.

The swivel wheels 13 are each carried by a tubular member 15, whichtelescopes into a frame member 16, which member 15 has a pin 17, andholes 19 therein, with a hole 20 in member 16, providing for verticaladjustment of the member 15.

The frame 12 has an upper shelf 21, with a reservoir tank 22 thereon,for storage of cleaning solution (not shown), and which is secured toshelf 21 in well known manner.

The frame 12 has a pair of lower plates 26 extending therefrom, carryingan axle 27 therein, with front wheels 28 thereon.

The wheels 13, 14 and 28 are shown in contact with a surface 30, whichmay be a floor.

The frame 12 has brackets 29 extending therefrom, which have a shaft 31engaged therewith, and with a U-shaped deck arm 32 of a rear bonnetcleaning assembly 35.

The deck arm 32 has slots 32A therein, in which the shaft 31 extends,and which permits the assembly 35 to float over the floor, and move upand down at the front, or each side to accommodate irregularities 30A,30B, and 30C, in the floor surface being cleaned. The assembly 35 isoffset to the right from the center as seen in FIGS. 2, and 6, andincludes a deck 36, to which the arms 32 are attached, with an electricmotor 37 of well known type carried thereon. The motor 37 has a padholder assembly 38 connected thereto, which includes a pad 38′, which isrotated by the motor 37 to scrub, and clean carpets.

The frame 12 has an upwardly extending U-shaped arm 39, which is weldedto frame 12. The deck 36 has an upwardly extending frame 40, which has alift lock 41 pivotedly attached thereto, with a notch 42 for engagementwith arm 39, as seen in FIG. 2 to retain cleaning assembly 35 and itspad holder 38 in position off the floor 30.

The lift lock 41 has a rod 45 engaged therewith, extending upwardly,which operates lift lock 41, for engagement and disengagement with arm39, and which rod 45 is retained in bracket 46, which is attached toframe 40 as shown in FIG. 3.

As shown in more detail in FIGS. 7A to 7C, the frame 12 has a forwardlymounted pair of brackets 50, with a shaft 51 extending therebetween, andengaged in slots 52′ of a U-shaped arm 52, of a front bonnet cleaningassembly 53, which is offset to the left as seen in FIGS. 3 and 6. Theslots 52′ permit the assembly 53 to float or ride up and down, front toback, and side to side, thereby traveling over the irregularities 30A,30B, and 30C of a surface 30.

The assembly 53 has a deck 54, which has the arm 52 attached thereto,with an electric motor 55 of well-known type carried thereon. The motor55 has a pad holder assembly 56 connected thereto, which includes a pad56′ which is rotated by motor 55 to scrub and clean carpets.

The frame 12 has an upwardly extending U-shaped arm 58. The deck 54 hasan upwardly extending frame 59 connected to arm 58, which has a liftlock 60 pivotedly attached thereto, with a notch 62 for engagement witharm 58, as seen in FIG. 2, to retain cleaning assembly 53, and its padholder 56 in position off the floor 30.

The lift lock 60 has a rod 63 engaged therewith, extending upwardly,which operates lift lock 60, for engagement and disengagement with arm58, and which rod 63 as shown in FIG. 3, is retained in a bracket 64,which is attached to frame 59.

The reservoir tank 22 has a hose 70 attached thereto, and to anelectrically driven pump 71, carried on a panel 72, which is mounted toshelf 21. The pump 71 has an output hose 73, which extends to a nozzle74 for the rear bonnet assembly 35, and to a fitting 76, from which ahose 77 extends to a nozzle 78, carried by bracket 79 on deck 54 offront bonnet assembly 53. The nozzles 74 and 78 dispense cleaningsolution (not shown) ahead of pads 38′ and 56′, and pad holders 38 and56.

The frame 12 has a steering column 80 attached thereto, with a cleaningsolution on-off switch 81, a key switch 82 to activate the apparatus 10,and an on-off switch 83 to activate motors 37 and 55, to rotate the padholders 38 and 56, and pads 38′ and 56′. The column 80 has a left handle85, and a right handle 86 extending therefrom, for steering theapparatus 10 by an operator (not shown). Batteries (not shown) andwiring (not shown) are provided, carried by frame 12, and which providethe electrical power to operate pump 71, motors 37 and 55, and thetransaxle motor (not shown) to drive wheels 14 to propel the apparatus10 in forward and reverse directions.

A U-shaped forward and reverse thumb lever or throttle 90 is provided,pivotedly mounted to column 80, which when pressed on the right causescontrol box 12A to activate wheels 14 to move forwardly, and if pressedon the left to move rearwardly, with the speed being controlled by thedegree of displacement of throttle 90. If the throttle 90 is released,the transaxle motor (not shown) will slow down and brake the apparatus10 as required.

The column 80 has a momentary button 81 thereon for finer control of thewater pump 71, and momentary dispensing of the cleaning solution (notshown).

Referring now to FIG. 5, an alternative steering arrangement isprovided, which is identical to that shown in FIG. 4, except that theleft handle 85 is provided with an extension 87, which is detachablyengaged with handle 85 in well known manner, and provides for improvedcontrol of the apparatus 10.

Referring to FIGS. 8A to 8C, the cleaning apparatus 10 is illustrated inoperation, with the front bonnet cleaning pad 56′ against a wall 100,which intersects a wall 101 at a corner 102, with the pad 56′ againstand traveling along wall 100 to and around corner 102, and thence alongwall 103. The offset location of the cleaning assembly 53 permits it toclean along the walls 100, and 102, and under a row of benches (notshown), or other overhanging structure.

Referring to FIG. 9, the power base 11 is illustrated from the side,without any attachments connected to it.

Referring to FIG. 10, the power base 11 is illustrated with an optionalvacuum unit 125 of well known type, which can be attached to the frontbrackets 50 in well-known manner, to permit cleaning solution, and ordebris to be removed from the surface (not shown) to be cleaned.

Referring to FIG. 11, the power base 11 has high speed heads 130 and131, thereon, which are similar to the bonnet cleaning assemblies 35 and53, but fitted with well-known high speed motors (not shown) and pads(not shown) which are used to burnish or polish a floor (not shown).

It will thus be seen that apparatus has been provided with which theobjects of the invention are achieved.

1. A walk behind cleaning apparatus which comprises; a power base, saidpower base having a frame, front and rear wheels carried by said frame,said rear wheels being mounted to transaxle means, which is attached tosaid frame, said transaxle means including electric motor means fordriving said rear wheels, a pair of swivel wheels carried by said frame,adjustment means to adjust the vertical height of said swivel wheels, asteering column carried by said frame, at least two handles carried bysaid steering column for controlling the direction of travel of saidapparatus, first attachment means connected to said frame, an electricmotor driven rear bonnet cleaning assembly mounted to said firstattachment means, positioning means connected to said attachment meansand said rear bonnet cleaning assembly for positioning it for operationor for storage, said rear bonnet cleaning assembly being offset from thecenter of said apparatus, second attachment means extending forwardlyfrom and connected to said frame, an electric motor driven front bonnetcleaning assembly mounted to said second attachment means, positioningmeans connected to said second attachment means and said front bonnetcleaning assembly for positioning it for operation and storage, saidfront bonnet cleaning assembly being offset from the center of saidapparatus opposite to said rear bonnet cleaning assembly, pad meansconnected to said electric motors of said front and rear bonnet cleaningassemblies for cleaning a surface, electrical supply means carried bysaid frame to supply electrical energy to said electric motors, andcontrol means to control the electrical energy supplied to said electricmotors.
 2. A walk behind cleaning apparatus as defined in claim 1 inwhich: a reservoir tank is provided carried on said frame, hose meansconnected to said tank, pump means connected to said hose means, andnozzle means connected to said hose means for delivering liquid to saidfloor ahead of said bonnet cleaning assemblies.
 3. A walk behindcleaning apparatus as defined in claim 2 in which; said electricalsupply means providing electrical energy to said cleaning assemblies,said drive system, and said pump means is at least one electric storagebattery.
 4. A walk behind cleaning apparatus as defines in claim 1 inwhich; said cleaning assemblies include a deck, an electric motormounted to said deck, a pad holder assembly connected to and driven bysaid motor, and wherein, said attachment means suspend and permit saidbonnet cleaning assemblies to float, or adjust left, right, forward,back, or up, to accommodate any imperfections in the surface beingcleaned.
 5. A walk behind cleaning apparatus as defined in claim 1 inwhich; said positioning means includes retainer assemblies carried onsaid frame, and catch means on said cleaning assemblies to engage saidretainer assemblies for positioning of said bonnet cleaning assembliesfor operation and storage.
 6. A walk behind cleaning apparatus, whichcomprises; a power base, said power base having a frame, front and rearwheels carried by said frame, said rear wheels being mounted totransaxle means, which is attached to said frame, said transaxle meansincluding electric motor means for driving said rear wheels, a pair ofswivel wheels carried by said frame, adjustment means to adjust thevertical height of said swivel wheels, a steering column carried by saidframe, at least two handles carried by said steering column forcontrolling the direction of travel of said apparatus, first attachmentmeans connected to said frame, vacuum means connected to said firstattachment means, to vacuum water or debris from a surface to becleaned.
 7. A walk behind cleaning apparatus as defined in claim 1 inwhich said electric motors are high-speed motors, and said pad means arefor burnishing, or polishing a surface.